Jewish Studies

The Jewish Studies curriculum at HJPS is designed to equip our pupils with:

Respect for themselves and others

An understanding that good behaviour is a prerequisite for Torah learning

A sense of moral responsibility that will enable them to perform a Kiddush Hashem – to do good deeds and to live honest and upright lives

An appreciation of spirituality through prayer and through learning Torah

A secure knowledge and understanding of Judaism at an age-appropriate level

Outstanding Hebrew reading and textual skills

A sense of pride in feeling part of the wider Jewish community and the ability and desire to contribute to it

An awareness of their rich Jewish heritage

A commitment to and love of the Land and the State of Israel.

The Jewish Studies curriculum is delivered in a non-judgemental way. It aims to transmit Jewish knowledge, Jewish literacy skills and Jewish values in such a way that children are equipped and motivated to continue their Jewish education in secondary school.

The children have a daily Jewish Studies lesson. In addition, the children start each day with Tefillah (prayer) and participate in an extended assembly for Kabbalat Shabbat every Friday. We use the Sephardi Hebrew pronunciation.

Integration

Teachers of Jewish Studies liaise closely with their parallel Class Teachers. Opportunities for integration with the National Curriculum are actively sought in order to enhance both the overall learning experience and in order to develop further each child’s Jewish identity.

Jewish values are implicit within school-wide systems, such as the School Council, the house teams and PSHE programmes of learning.

The successful delivery of the Jewish Studies curriculum is achieved by ensuring that Jewish Studies teachers adhere to whole school policies in Teaching and Learning, in Marking, in Assessment and in Inclusion.

Inclusion

At HJPS, we teach Jewish Studies to all children, whatever their ability and individual needs. Through our teaching, we provide learning opportunities that enable all pupils to make excellent progress. We strive hard to meet the needs of pupils who have special educational needs, disabilities, special gifts and talents, or who are learning English as an additional language.

Extra-Curricular Activities

Children are encouraged to participate in extra-curricular activities that enhance the Jewish life of the school and that serve to extend their own Jewish experience and knowledge. Examples are the residential Shabbaton for Year 6, Israeli dancing, the School Choir and Tsedakah projects.